The Science of Gooey Slime, Barf, Snot and Bacteria 8+ 1 Growing

EESS
AAGG
8+
YUCK!
The Science of Gooey Slime, Barf, Snot and Bacteria
item #3845
Activity Guide
Let’s face it… you like things that make adults say, “Yuck!” Otherwise, you would have purchased a flower-growing kit or maybe
a kit about cute little puppies. But you didn’t. You like the ooey, gooey, slippery, slimy, smell bad, look disgusting, bacteria growing,
kind of science that makes people scream with delight. In other words, you’re addicted to the YUCK-FACTOR. Well, you’ve come
to the right place. You’ll learn how to make the world’s best slime, grow gobs of crystal goo, surprise everyone with appearing snot,
grow a brain and uncover some of the most hideo us mold and bacteria you ve’ ever seen. So, stop reading this introduction and
start yucking it up. Let the fun begin!
WARNING! This kit has been determined to cause adults to scream, turn green and possibly
faint. These instructions use words like ooey, gooey, slippery, slimy, mold, boogers, snot,
barf, puke and few more that are too gross to mention. Only certified kid grossologistS
will be able to handle the adventures contained within these most disgusting instructions.
Here’s What You Get
1 Growing Brain
1 Petri dish
Nutrient Agar
1 Cotton Swab
1 Measuring scoop
1 Measuring cup
Specimen jaR
Green Goo Solution
Clear Snot Goo
Cross-Linker Solution
1 Large clear cup
Snot Activator Powder
Yuck Crystals
3 Shaker cups
True Colors
(12 pack of coloring tablets)
Here’s What You Need
Adult helper – This is a slime essential. Adults and safety go hand-in-hand
Paper towels – hey, you have to clean up after yourself!
Ruler – it’s important to measure stuff
Microwave-safe mixing bowl – okay, you’ll also need the microwave oven
Food coloring – just a suggestion for a few of the activities
Friends – you can find them in low places sometimes
Creativity – what good is science smarts with a little creativity?
About the Chemicals in the Kit
Let’s start with the most important question… Are these chemicals and concoctions safe? The simple answer is yes… but it’s all in
the hands of the beholder. These instructions outline all of the safety measures that you need to follow in order to have a great time
making some really gross concoctions. DO NOT PUT ANY OF THE INGREDIENTS IN THIS KIT IN YOUR EYES, EARS, NOSE,
MOUTH… get the idea? Many of the experiments require the assistance of an adult science helper. Look on the bright side… it’s
just plain fun to make adults turn green and throw up. Just follow the directions and you’re guaranteed to have a great learning
experience (oops… you were not supposed to know about the “learning” part).
Now, a few words about the kit ingredients…
The real chemical name for Green Goo is polyvinyl alcohol (no, no that kind of alcohol!) Many chemists refer to polyvinyl alcohol
as PVA. As you’ll soon learn, PVA is made up of millions of long chains of molecules. As you might have guessed, Clear Goo is also
PVA without any coloring.
The real name for the Cross-Linker solution is sodium tetraborate. Just throw that into your normal daily conversation and you’ll be
considered a genius. Chemically speaking, the Cross-Linker solution literally links together the long chains of molecules to make the
slime. See, chemistry isn’t so hard.
What about Clear Snot Goo? It’s actually a chemical called sodium alginate. Sodium alginate is a long chain of molecules called
a polymer. Specifically, sodium alginate is a polysaccharide isolated from seaweed. Alginate is commonly used as a thickener for
foods such as ice cream and fruit pies. The Snot Activator Powder is a chemical called calcium chloride. Calcium chloride is
commonly used an ingredient in some foods, especially pickles, to give a salty taste while not increasing the food's sodium content.
As always, keep all chemicals out of your mouth and eyes. When used properly, these chemicals are not considered to be a hazard.
For specific information on the materials in this kit as well as general information about chemical safety, please read the Science
Smarts sheet included in your kit.
Yuck Crystals
What kind of activity is called Yuck Crystals?
Well, thaT‘s what kids say when they close their
eyes and stick their hands into the jar. Yuck!
(Remember… you’ll need an adult helper for each activity in this kit. It’s a good idea to have someone close by to help you with
your measurements and to gently remind you of those safety tips. Never put chemicals in your mouth. Wash your hands after each
experiment. Clean up after yourself. Don’t pick your nose. You know… the standard stuff.)
Here’s What You’ll Need
Package of Yuck Crystals
Big jar
Water
Yuck Science
1. You’re going to use the big, plastic jar that this kit came in for several experiments. It’s your official Yuck Jar.
Dump everything out onto the table and get ready to make some Yuck in a jar.
2. Dig through all of the stuff in your kit and you’ll find the bag of Yuck Crystals. They look like little white pebbles or maybe big
pieces of rock salt. Take a few of the crystals out of the bag (don’t worry... they’re safe to touch) and hold them in your hand.
Believe it or not, these crystals are like little sponges that soak up lots of water. Over time these crystals will take on a slippery,
slimy, gooey quality that’s perfect for grossing out your friends. Pour the entire bag of crystals into the jar.
3. Fill the jar to the top with tap water – warm water works great, but any temperature water will work.
4. Twist on the lid and wait. How long? Your wait will be about an hour, but it’s well worth it.
5. A few minutes later… you find yourself still staring at the jar. These crystals are soaking up water and getting bigger.
Keep watching and waiting.
6. One hour later… the crystals are huge and it time to feel yuck. Open the jar and stick your hand down into the crystals.
IT’s Gooey – it’s Slippery – it’s slimy – it makes you want to scream, “yuck”
Petri Fuzz
This activity will prove that mom was right,
“Wash your hands with soap and warm water!”
A Petri dish is perfect for this and the agar (a seaweed derivative) is ideal “food” for the critters you’ll
be growing. (This activity requires the grossologist to seek the assistance of an adult helper to boil the
special nutrient agar solution.)
Here’s What You’ll Need
Petri dish
Nutrient agar powder
Cotton swab
Microwave-safe mixing bowl (you-get-it)
Water
Yuck Time
1. The Petri dish, named after German bacteriologist Julius R. Petri (1852-1921).
Find the Petri dish in your pile of goodies – this will be your gross lab!
2. Find the bag of nutrient agar. Agar is pronounced “awger” like “fogger” without the “f.” It’s a vegetable gelatin made
from various kinds of algae or seaweed. Special nutrients have been added to this agar to help promote the growth of bacteria.
3. You’ll need a clean, microwave-safe container (quart-size bowl works great) to mix and heat the agar with water. Mix the
entire bag of agar with 1/2 cup of hot water and stir. Bring this mixture to a boil for one minute to completely dissolve the agar.
CAUTION: Adult supervision is required to boil water. If you are using the microwave oven to boil the mixture, be careful not to
let the solution boil over. The mixture should be clear – not cloudy. Allow the mixture to cool for 3 to 5 minutes before moving
onto the next step.
4. Carefully fill the bottom half of the Petri dish (that’s the deeper of the two halves) with the warm agar nutrient solution.
The remainder of the agar solution can be thrown away.
5. It’s time to collect some bacteria on the end of a cotton swab. For this test we’re going to enlist the help of a cell phone or the
television remote control. Unless someone recently cleaned the buttons or keys, you’re in for some real YUCK in a few days. In
order to get a good sample collection, dampen the end of the cotton swab with water. Be sure to wipe the end of the cotton swab
all over the surface to be tested– cover the end of the swab with invisible bacteria!
Uncover the Petri dish and LIGHTLY draw a squiggly line in the agar with the end of the cotton swab.
Cover the Petri dish with the lid and place the Petri dish in a warm, dark place to let the bacteria grow.
6. In a short time, you‘ll be greeted by an amazing variety of bacteria, molds, and fungi.
Beyond the Yuck
And what did we learn from this gross lesson? Never borrow anyone’s cell phone and don’t forget to wipe down that remote control!
You’re likely to have a huge variety of colors, shapes, and smells in your tiny worlds. Getting critters to grow can be a little tricky
so don’t get discouraged if you have to make more than one attempt. Allow enough time for them to grow, too. You need millions
of them in one place just to see them at all. They’re really tiny!
Gross Out Your Friends
Make your friends close their eyes and reach their hand down into the jar of Yuck.
Prepare yourself for the inevitable scream and your chance to see the Yuck Factor in action.
Beyond the Yuck-Factor
Yuck Crystals are actually known to scientists as a superabsorbent polymer. Let’s start with the word polymer. A polymer is simply
a long chain of repeating molecules. In this case, the Yuck Crystal polymer is made up of long chains of molecules that absorb
water—lots of it! In fact, these crystals soak up about 150 times their weight in water. Sometimes these crystals are referred to
as water jelly crystals. Originally, superabsorbent polymers were invented to absorb moisture in baby diapers (okay, that qualifies
as yuck!) Today, polymers like Yuck Crystals are being used by farmers and gardeners in areas of drought to hold water in the soil
and slowly release it to plants’ roots when they need it. That’s water-saving science!
Shrinking Crystals
Why do the crystals always feel cold when you touch them? The water in the crystals is constantly evaporating, and the process of
evaporation causes the crystals to feel cold. If you allow all of the water to evaporate, the crystals will eventually shrink back down
to their original size. While it might be tough to shrink the whole batch of crystals, try spreading a thin layer of water-filled crystals
on a plate or piece of wax paper. Over time, the water will evaporate and the crystals will shrink down to their original size.
When You’re Finished…
It’s safe to throw away the water-filled crystals in a trash can, but a better choice would be to spread the crystals in a garden and
mix them into the soil. It’s a great way to help conserve water using an environmentally safe superabsorbent polymer.
Slime
Most people consider slime to be in the “yuc k”
category. You ‘re about to learn a brand new
way to make the world‘s best green, gooey,
slippery, rubbery, stretchy, sometimes gross,
but always fun slime.
(Remember, you need an adult helper
whenever you are handling chemicals.)
Here’s What You’ll Need
Green Goo Solution
Cross-Linker Solution
1 Measuring scoop
1 Measuring cup
1 Shaker cup and lid
Yuck Science
1. Open the bottle of Green Goo solution. You’ll need to find the small measuring cup in your kit materials – it holds about an
ounce or 30 mL of liquid. Fill the small measuring cup to the top with Green Goo and pour it into one of the “shaker cups”
(It’s the larger cup with the lid)
2. Open the bottle of Cross-Linker solution (the blue liquid). Add one blue scoop of the Cross-Linker solution to the Green Goo
in the shaker cup. The blue scoop holds 1 teaspoon or 5 mL of liquid.
3. The last step is the most important one. It’s time to shake. Wait! Don’t shake anything until you seal the shaker cup with a lid.
This is a good job for your adult helper (now this person is responsible if the cup leaks!). Go ahead… shake! Don’t stop shaking
for at least 1 minute. When you’re finished shaking, fix your eyes on the liquid in the cup. What? It’s not a liquid any more?
The Green Goo changed into a big ball of slime.
(Warning to all adult helpers: 9 out of 10 eager, yuck-ologists will begin to scream at this point, uttering
phrases like, “I made slime!” or “Get Grandma on the phone because I‘ve been slimed! or “This is so cool!”
Such outbursts are commonly referred to as SSR or Sudden Slime Reaction and are completely normal. The child should return
to normal operating mode in 3 weeks or less.)
4. The real fun is playing with the slime you just made. Make sure your adult helper gives the “thumbs-up” permission you need
to take the slime out of the cup and to play with it on the kitchen countertop or other safe surface.
(Warning to all young scientists: 9 out of 10 adult helpers will react unfavorably – possibly screaming or running around
the house pulling their hair out – if you put your slime on any furniture, the carpet or a Steinway grand piano. The water
molecules in your slime can easily soak into wood surfaces and cause lots of damage. Just do the right thing and play with your
slime on the kitchen countertop or wherever your adult helper gives the okay. No one likes to baby sit a bald, screaming adult.)
5. There’s enough Green Goo and Cross-Linker solutions to make 3 more batches of slime. Your job is to share a slime experience
with 3 of your friends – the one who truly enjoy the yuck factor.
Turning Slime into Barf
After making a great batch of slime, it’s easy to use the
fold-in technique to create an assortment of really gross
stuff. Let’s make another batch of slime but this time you’re
going to add a few drops of red food coloring to the Green Goo
(this will make the slime turn an ugly brown because red + green = yuck).
Follow the directions above to make another batch of slime
(1 ounce of Goo mixed with 1 blue scoop of Cross-Linker
solution in a shaker cup). Remember that slime is best
shaken, not stirred!
When you’ve got the perfect batch of brown slime, pour the pile out onto
the approved counter top. Reach into the jar of watery Yuck Crystals you
made previously and get a small handful of crystals. Sprinkle the gooey crystals
on top of the brown slime and begin to fold the slime into the middle (kind of like
the way they fold nuts and candy into a slab of ice cream). Fold the pile of slime in
half and in half again and squish it all together to repeat the process. Keep folding
and mixing the slime until you get a great looking pile of barf. It takes time to make a great pile of barf!
Beyond the Yuck-Factor
Most liquids, such as water, are made up of small, unconnected molecules bouncing around and tumbling over and into one another.
These single, unconnected molecules are called monomers. Monomer liquids flow easily and are seldom gooey or sticky to the touch.
In other substances, the monomers are linked together in long chains of molecules known as polymers. These long chains don’t flow
easily at all. Like a bowl of cooked spaghetti, they sort of roll over and around one another. Liquid polymers tend to be a lot gooier
and flow more slowly than liquid monomers. The Green Goo called polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) you used to make slime is a liquid polymer.
PVA is used by the plastics industry to form surface coatings and to make surface films resistant to gasoline. It’s also used to make
artificial sponges, hoses, and printing inks. If you check out the ingredients of contact lens wetting solutions, you may find PVA
used as a lubricant and a cleanser. The PVA solution in this kit contains coloring and a special disinfectant to help resist pesky
gems on those not-so-clean hands.
The Cross-Linker Solution is called sodium tetraborate. The common household name for this chemical is Borax. Your parents or
grandparents will recognize the name Borax as unique brand of powdered soap used to whiten linen and to really clean your hands.
The Borax or sodium tetraborate molecules act to “cross-link” the long strands of PVA molecules. Just imagine a box full of tiny,
steel chains that slip and slide easily across one another. Each chain is made up of hundreds of individual links but one chain is not
connected to another chain. Borax loves to connect with water and billions of Borax molecules randomly link trillions of water
molecules found anywhere on the chains of PVA. Now when you pull out one PVA chain, all the rest come with it in a blob.
When You’re Finished…
Keep your slime in a zipper-lock bag until you’re all slimed out and then you can simply throw it in the trash. Do not put any slime
down the drain or your next science experiment will be watching the plumber unclog your mess.
Growing A BRAIN
Every mad scientist has a large specimen lab jar filled
with a pickled brain - floating in a jar filled with water.
The best part of all is that this Brain sta rtS off small and getS bigger
the longer it stays in the water until IT reaches ITS maximum size.
Here’s What You’ll Need
Growing brain
The big plastic jar
Ruler
Water
Yuck Time
1. Fill the plastic jar almost full with slightly warm water. Be careful not to use hot water because it will make the growing brain
break up into many tiny pieces.
2. Prior to growing the brain, take a measurement of the brain. Record your measurements on a peice of paper or simply trace
the brain on a piece of graph paper. You’ll want to see how much the brain grows on a daily basis.
3. Place the brain into the water and seal the jar with the lid.
4. After 24 hours, remove the brain from the water and carefully dry it off with a paper towel. Take a few measurements
and record your data on your graph paper.
5. Dump out the water in the jar and replace with fresh water from the tap. Again, warm water (not hot) helps the brain
to grow the best.
6. Back to the water the brain goes for another 24 hours. Continue gathering data until the brain stops growing.
The growing brain should reach its maximum size in about one week.
Beyond the Yuck
This brain is made out of two different polymers: A hydrophilic (water-loving) superabsorbent polymer that is responsible for
the water absorbing action and a hydrophobic (water-fearing) polymer. The hydrophilic polymer in the object is the
superabsorber, similar to the polymer found in baby diapers (the actual chemical is a little different, but it is a similar
superabsorbent polymer). The hydrophobic polymer does not absorb water, but it’s job is to keep the original shape of the
creature when it swells up with water.
Who is Responsible for all of this Yuck?
Blame Steve Spangler!
This is the guy... Steve Spangler. You might have noticed his name on box and in these instructions. That’s because
he created this hands-on science kit. He’s actually a cross between a science teacher, a toy inventor and a modern-day Mr.
Wizard on television. Over a million viewers watch his weekly science projects on NBC affiliate 9NEWS and streaming on-line
at www.stevespanglerscience.com. Steve continues to test out his crazy, new inventions in our Be Amazing! Toys lab and
create products that teach people how to be amazing. After dropping off a box of Yuck! projects, we sent him back to Spangler
Labs in Englewood, Colorado, where he’s probably working on another idea to get people of all ages turned on to science.
SCIENCE SMARTS
ADVICE FOR SUPERVISING ADULTS: Read and follow these safety instructions, the safety rules and the first aid information
and keep them for reference. The incorrect use of chemicals can cause injury and damage to health. Only carry out those experiments
which are listed in the instructions. This kit is only for use by children over 8 years of age and is to be used solely under the strict
supervision of adults that have studied the precautions given in these instructions. Adults should exercise discretion as to which
experiments are suitable and safe for their children. The instructions should enable supervisors to assess any experiment to establish
its suitability for a particular child. The supervising adult should discuss the warnings and safety information with the child or
children before commencing the experiments. Particular attention should be paid to the safe handling of chemicals. The surrounding
area should be kept clear of any obstructions and the contents of the activity kept away from food or food storage. The work space
should be well lit, ventilated and close to a water supply.
THIS KIT CONTAINS CHEMICALS THAT MUST BE USED BY A SUPERVISING ADULT. All of the chemicals are not
considered hazardous. However, not all health aspects of this substance have been thoroughly investigated. All chemicals have
first aid measures – even water! Use common sense – rinse with water. If swallowed, call a physician or poison control at once.
In all cases, get immediate medical attention if an emergency exists. Bring container with you.
CALCIUM CHLORIDE – “SNOT ACTIVATOR”
This chemical is slightly toxic by ingestion. Mild irritant to skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Granular material does not pose a
significant inhalation hazard, but inhalation of dust may cause irritation to the respiratory tract, with symptoms of coughing and
shortness of breath. First aid: Flush affected area for 15 minutes. If swallowed, rinse out mouth, give 1 to 2 cups of water or milk,
induce vomiting. Call a physician or poison control at once.
SODIUM ALGINATE – “SNOT GOO”
This chemical is widely used as a thickening agent in pie filling and other food products. As is the case with all chemicals, use
caution when handling. Substance not considered hazardous. However, not all health aspects of this substance have been thoroughly
investigated. May be harmful if swallowed or inhaled. May irritate eyes, skin, nasal and respiratory system disturbances.
First aid: Flush affected area for 15 minutes. If swallowed, give large quantities of water. Call a physician or poison control at once.
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL (PVA) – “GREEN GOO”
Substance not considered hazardous. First aid: Flush affected area for 15 minutes. If swallowed, give large quantities of water.
Call a physician or poison control at once.
SODIUM TETRABORATE – “SLIME CROSS-LINKER SOLUTION”
Substance not considered hazardous. First aid: Flush affected area for 15 minutes.
If swallowed, rinse out mouth, give 1 to 2 cups of water or milk, induce vomiting. Call a physician or poison control at once.
CROSS-LINKED POLYACRYLAMIDE GEL – “YUCK CRYSTALS”
Substance not considered hazardous. First aid: Flush affected area for 15 minutes.
If swallowed, give large quantities of water. Call a physician or poison control at once.
NUTRIENT AGAR
Substance not considered hazardous. First aid: Flush affected area for 15 minutes.
Wash hands with soap and water after touching. If swallowed, give large quantities of water.
Call a physician or poison control at once.
IN CASE OF ACCIDENTAL INTAKE OF A CHEMICAL OR OBJECT, CALL: 1-800-222-1222.
This toll-free number will put you in touch with the poison control center in your state.
WARNING: If your child has collapsed or is not breathing, call 911.
For additional chemical safety information, visit our website at www.beamazing.com.
“Teaching People to be Amazing!”
© 2005 Be Amazing!